A rare case of synovial chondromatosis of the foot

Abstract

Background: Synovial chondromatosis is a benign rare condition affecting synovial tissue. It has a preference for males with a ratio of 2:1. Also, synovial chondromatosis has a prevalence of 1 in 100,000. Initially, it starts asymptomatically then develops pain, and swelling with or without a restricted range of motion as the disease progresses. In addition, the imaging options are an x-ray and then an MRI. To confirm the diagnosis, a biopsy with histopathologic evaluation is needed. Finally, conservative management options are NSAIDs and intraarticular steroids. Surgery is considered after the failure of conservative management. Case Presentation: A case of synovial chondromatosis of the left foot in a 37-year-old female with no prior medical or surgical history was presented. The patient came with no signs or symptoms and was admitted as a case of elective mass excision. Histopathologic evaluation of the mass confirmed the diagnosis of synovial chondromatosis. Initially, perioperative spinal anesthesia was performed. After the patient had been sedated, a vertical incision directly over the dorsolateral aspect of the foot, over the lesion, was made. Subsequently, a lateral incision and a midline horizontal incision at a 90-degree angle to the initial surgical incision were made. Finally, the mass was excised completely with no remnants. Conclusion: Synovial chondromatosis is a frequently sub-diagnosed disease and has not been fully understood, so proper clinical evaluation ought to be done earlier for better outcomes.